This calculator estimates what a dog bite claim could be worth under Colorado law. It applies Colorado’s 50% bar rule, the two-year deadline to file suit and the insurance that usually pays, then shows the math line by line, including what you might take home after a lawyer’s fee.
Colorado does not make owners automatically liable for every bite, so the strength of the claim depends on what the owner knew about the dog or how careless they were. The calculator values the injury; proving liability is a separate step.
Colorado rules behind this estimate
Fault. Colorado uses modified comparative fault with a 50% bar. Your award drops by your share of fault, and at 50% or more you recover nothing, so an even split leaves you with nothing. Insurers know this, so expect them to argue your share up.
Dog bite rule. Owners are strictly liable for economic damages when a dog causes serious bodily injury or death. Other bites follow the negligence rules.
Deadline. You have two years from the bite to file a lawsuit in Colorado. Three years for injuries from a motor vehicle crash; two years for most other injuries. A claim against a city, county or state agency usually needs written notice much sooner, sometimes within months. Missing the deadline almost always ends the claim, and with it your leverage to settle.
Insurance. Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, which usually carries $100,000 to $300,000 of liability coverage. Some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a bite history, so ask for the policy early.
Damage caps. $1.5 million on non-economic damages for claims that arose on or after January 1, 2025.
Colorado dog bite questions
Is Colorado a strict liability state for dog bites?
Only in some situations. Owners are strictly liable for economic damages when a dog causes serious bodily injury or death. Other bites follow the negligence rules.
What if I was partly at fault for the bite?
Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage, and at 50% or more you recover nothing. Provoking or teasing the dog is the usual argument.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Colorado?
two years from the bite.
Who pays for a dog bite?
Usually the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Report the bite to animal control and get the owner’s insurance details at the scene if you can.
Does Colorado cap pain and suffering damages?
Yes. $1.5 million on non-economic damages for claims that arose on or after January 1, 2025.